Clerk Janet Sirabian is marshal of BG Days parade

For what could be the first time, the grand marshal of the Buffalo Grove Days Parade will be an elected official.

Janet Sirabian, the village clerk, will ride in a horse-drawn carriage at the head of this year's parade - recognition for her volunteer work as the chairman of the 50th anniversary committee and for her 30 years as part-time clerk.

The parade, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of Buffalo Grove, steps off at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Sirabian was instrumental in planning the series of celebrations that have marked the village's 50th anniversary this year.

"She had a vision for what the 50th anniversary should be, and she brought all these people together to bring her ideas to fruition," said Drew Kapinos, a member of the committee and Sirabian's neighbor. "I wasn't surprised (she would receive this honor); I was wondering why it took so long."

Village officials couldn't remember the last time an elected official was named grand marshal, but they said it was Sirabian's work with the anniversary committee that set her apart.

She first suggested in 2004 the village should create an anniversary committee, and drew up a list of potential events.

"All of a sudden, I was chairman," she said. "We just have a lot of fun trying to do things to show the community what this village has become in the past 50 years, how it started out, what a great village it has become and what a great place it is to live."

Events have included a car show, a sock hop, a concert and events that educate the community on village history, said deputy village clerk Jane Olson. The annual Buffalo Grove Days will conclude the celebration with a special emphasis on the anniversary.

At the parade, with Sirabian as grand marshal, "people can actually put a face to all the planning," Olson added.

In addition, Sirabian organizes a yearly civics forum where about 25 area high school students come to Village Hall to find solutions to village issues such as recycling.

"I want them to learn the importance of being involved and contributing to the community you live in," Sirabian said. "That's what makes it good."

Sirabian moved to Buffalo Grove in 1968. She became an election judge in 1971, became the plan commission secretary in 1978 and was elected village clerk in 1979.

One of her passions is encouraging all citizens, especially young people, to vote in municipal elections.

"Municipal elections have notoriously low turnouts, but those (elected officials) are the people who will affect your everyday life," she said.

Sirabian also volunteers with the Northwest Suburban United Way and is an active member of Hope Lutheran Church in Long Grove.

"I like trying to do things to make the community better," she said.

Sunday's parade starts at Bernard and Indian Hill drives, goes east to Raupp, north to St. Mary's Parkway and east to Crestview Terrace. For details visit www.vbg.org or call (847) 459-2500.